21 Sep Why Fire Doors are Critical for the Safety of Your Business
For the safety of your business, it’s important to think about potential fire risks when choosing your commercial doors. Though fire doors are often overlooked in favor of other security measures, commercial doors can actually be a big part of safeguarding your property, as well as the lives of your employees or customers. Here’s what you need to know so you can make an informed decision for your business.
Required By Law
Commercial fire doors are designed to provide a barrier between a fire and anyone in the building. They’re meant to slow the fire down, so that the situation can be contained. In fact, did you know commercial doors are often required to meet certain standards of fire safety? This is an important factor to consider before making any purchases.
The International Building Code is a set of codes that establish minimum standards for building construction. The IBC’s main purpose is to promote safety and protect the public; their code references nationally developed consensus standards to help keep people safe. What this ultimately means is that many business owners discover that they’re required by state and federal law to install a certain number of fire doors, and also to have them inspected. At Frontier Pacific, we can help ensure you’re following these laws.
Prevent the Spread of Fire
Actually, it’s more than the door. Fire doors also have frames and specialized hardware that are specifically designed to resist high temperatures, so there’s more to these commercial doors than you might expect. The hope is that if there ever were a fire, these safety features would allow enough time for occupants to escape. Another benefit is that these commercial doors also have smoke seals that help to stop the spread of smoke from going room to room. In certain instances, smoke inhalation can cause lung damage, so this is another reason to take precautions.
Commercial Door Inspection
Commercial doors will also need to be inspected on a regular basis. This can be done by a specialist who knows what to look for to make sure the door is holding up over time. Having your doors inspected on an annual basis ensures that they’re still in good condition. If commercial door maintenance or repairs are needed, you can be confident that it’s pointed out by an expert. Note that not fixing any issues right away can actually lead to lawsuits because it puts lives at risk.
Not All Commercial Doors are Created Equally
Make sure to ask about a door’s fire rating before you make any purchasing decisions, as not all fire doors are the same. Some are designed to withstand heat and flame for longer than others. Our specialists are happy to explain the differences to you, but ultimately, their ratings are based on how long they’re able to withstand extreme temperatures.
Shop Commercial Doors
Buying the right commercial door can seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. At Frontier Pacific, we offer a wide selection of high-quality fire doors to choose from. We also provide expert installation services, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Our friendly team is ready to answer any questions and assist with your purchase!
Call us today at (510) 279-0232 for more information about our products or services. We’re happy to help!